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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Seven non-political councillors among 24 sworn in - The Star

Jul 2, 2008 By LIM CHIA YING

SEVEN new councillors appointed from among professionals and representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were among the 24 sworn in yesterday for the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).

The others are Pakatan Rakyat nominees, with eight from the DAP, six from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), and three from PAS.

There are eight Malays (33%), 11 Chinese (45%), and five Indians (20%) in the new council.

The inclusion of NGO representatives and professionals is a fresh change from what was previously made up by only politicians.

One for the album: The new batch of 24 councillors posing for a group photo together with the MPSJ president and deputy president in front of the MPSJ building after their swearing-in ceremony yesterday.

After the councillors were sworn in, MPSJ secretary Slamat Hamzah briefed them on the standing order and procedures at council and full board meetings

MPSJ president Datuk Adnan Md Ikshan then thanked the previous councillors who had served their term that ended officially on Monday.

“I ask for the cooperation, dedication, and patience of all the new councillors today to work closely together to serve the people and resolve problems they face,” Adnan said.

“It’s important for us to also have integrity, and instil the confidence in the public that we will do our best to serve. Cooperation from everyone is required to disseminate information to each other in order for us to take action fast,” he said.

The term for the councillors is a year, expiring on June 30 next year. Their renewal is subject to satisfactory performance and stirring services.

Adnan said like previously, four councillors would sit in the One-Stop Centre (OSC) meeting and that they would be placed in the various internal committees based on their background, expertise and the organisation they represent.

According to Theresa Ratnam, who stays in SS17 Subang Jaya and is active with the residents association through the Residents Committee previously, it is an honour for her to be appointed a councillor.

“I can now serve the community from a different level than when I was with the JKP. This allows me to see things from a different perspective,” she said.

“I want to ensure compliance in upholding the various legislations. Pressing issues in Subang Jaya like the perennial traffic chaos, illegal hawkers, and land use are some things I would want to look into,” she said.

Rabiah Omar, who is with the All Women's Action Society (AWAM) and a resident at Section 9 Putra Heights, said it had always been her aspiration to serve the community.

“The crime rate in Subang Jaya is a major concern for me as I'm a mother of a young daughter. For now, I wish to also work closely with the MPSJ to stop the open burning at Bukit Lanchong which I could smell again this morning,” she said.

Asked if the JKP still exists, Adnan said it would be reshuffled and rezoned from previously 29 zones to 24, each to be presided by a councillor.

He said with the NGO representatives and professionals in the council, it would be different this time.

Adnan said what was most important was that the councillors could convey the message to the people and hopefully, this would take some pressure off the MPSJ.

On whether having most of the councillors coming from Subang Jaya could create an imbalance on issues presented, Adnan said he could not comment as the appointments were made by the state government.

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Roles and responsibilities of councillors

Roles and responsibilities of councillors

As part of the local council administrative system, councillors carry these roles and responsibilities.

As a committee member who makes decisions on approval for applications like planning, development, and licensing. Yet at the same time their actions should not be contradictory and against the policy decided upon by the local council for the public interest.

To advice the local government on matters relevant to their expertise and profession

To represent the people and the local community in matters pertaining to their living condition at the respective local council.

As a mediator between the community and the local council and to serve as the patron for their residents association.

To relay the feedback and response given by the local community on the quality of service given by the local council.

To be policy and decision makers. To draw a set of local by-laws as a guide for administrative purposes in solving the local issues and on how to give best service to the people.

To draw the policy to determine the direction of the local council and the direction has to augur well with the state and central government’s policies and at the same time meet what the people want.

As spokesman for the local council to ensure that policies drawn at the local authority are accepted by the local community.

To get a response from the community if there is any abuse of misuse of power or funds by the local council.

To encourage public participation on activities and programs organised by the local council.

Appointment of the councillors

The Local Government Act 1976

Section 10 (1) - the local authority shall consist of the mayor or president and not less than eight not more than 24 other councillors to be appointed by the state authority.

residing in the respective local council

Have wide experience and knowledge in local government affairs

Achieved distinction in any profession, commerceor industry

Able to represent the interest of the community they are serving

Editor’s Note: If you have any comments or views on this issue of councillors, please write to us at metro@thestar.com.my.